Abstract: Disclosed are methods for that can be effective for treating a Mycobacterium infection in a biological organism, in particular in humans, involve administering a medicinal formulation that includes specific bioactive compounds with N-acetylglucosamine or N-glycolylglucosamine and triazole. The compound interacts with the Mycobacterium to provide treatment. The method can be applied without detrimental toxicity to human subjects and is particularly relevant for tuberculosis infections. The formulation can be administered in various ways, including orally and intravenously, and may be provided in a dosage of, for example, about 0.5-100 mg/kg of body weight. Additionally, the method may include steps for diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of the infection.

Abstract: A novel lipoteichoic acid (LTA) was isolated from C. difficile, the structure of which is illustrated below wherein n is an integer between 1 and 20, R3 and R4 are independently selected from C 14:0, C 16:0, C 16:1, C 18:0 or C18:1 fatty acid or any combination thereof wherein one of COR3 or COR4 may be replaced by H. Further described are conjugates comprising the novel LTA and vaccines produced using the isolated LTA and the LTA conjugates. The invention also encompasses methods of conferring immunity against C. difficile comprising administering a vaccine of the invention, and methods of detecting C. difficile using the isolated LTA of the invention.

Abstract: A novel lipoteichoic acid (LTA) was isolated from C. difficile, the structure of which is illustrated below wherein n is an integer between 1 and 20, R3 and R4 are independently selected from C 14:0, C 16:0, C 16:1, C 18:0 or C18:1 fatty acid or any combination thereof wherein one of COR3 or COR4 may be replaced by H. Further described are conjugates comprising the novel LTA and vaccines produced using the isolated LTA and the LTA conjugates. The invention also encompasses methods of conferring immunity against C. difficile comprising administering a vaccine of the invention, and methods of detecting C. difficile using the isolated LTA of the invention.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a filter component comprises subjecting the component to an atmosphere of superheated steam at a pressure of a least 0.5 bar in a vessel and subsequently decompressing the vessel to achieve a pressure reduction of at least 0.5 bar in at most 5 seconds. The method is particularly useful for the cleaning of filter components that have been used for the filtration of molten polymer (e.g. polyester) and which are at least partially blocked by solidified polymer.

Abstract: We propose here that endogenous stem/progenitor cells of the developing or adult nervous system be genetically modified in situ, to express therapeutically advantageous gene products. Furthermore, we propose here that endogenous or other exogenous stem cells or their progeny be genetically modified when appropriate to express advantageous gene products (and/or modified through culture techniques), and that, if exogenously derived, they be transplanted into the ventricular system of the patient nervous system, the germinal zone of the ventricular system, into postmitotic regions of the CNS or other organs.

Abstract: This application relates to a hybrid power supply apparatus comprising a fuel cell and an energy storage device for use in off-road electric vehicles, such as lift trucks. The apparatus is a substitute for conventional lead acid batteries and is sized to fit within a conventional lift truck battery receptacle tray. The fuel cell and fuel processor systems are designed to meet the average load requirements of the vehicle, while the batteries and power control hardware are capable of responding to very high instantaneous load demands. The invention has a similar electrical interface as conventional battery systems and does not require vehicle modification. The apparatus is air-cooled to ensure that the hybrid power components operate within a preferred temperature range and to maintain the external surfaces of the apparatus and exhaust gases within safe temperature limits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dilute aqueous solutions containing phosphoric acid and methods for cleaning plasma etch residue from semiconductor substrates including such dilute aqueous solutions. The solution according to the invention may advantageous contain an alkaline compound, one or more other acid compounds, and/or a fluoride-containing compound and may optionally contain additional components such as organic solvents, chelating agents, amines, and/or surfactants.

Abstract: A method for tracking printer productivity includes retrieving archived data stored on a remote printer that is connected to a network. The data is parsed and stored in a relational database. The data is retrieved from the database and used to generate a graphical representation of the data. The data may be represented as XML data and retrieving the data may include establishing a simple object access protocol (SOAP) connection between the printer system data and sending XML commands to the printer system. Storing the parsed data in a relational database may include establishing a Java database connectivity (JDBC) connection with a database server. The data is a log of events occurring on the printer system. The logged events may include status events indicating an operational status of the printer, job events indicating the beginning and ending of jobs, and intervention events indicating error status changes of the printer system.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a filter component comprises subjecting the component to an atmosphere of superheated steam at a pressure of a least 0.5 bar in a vessel and subsequently decompressing the vessel to achieve a pressure reduction of at least 0.5 bar in at most 5 seconds. The method is particularly useful for the cleaning of filter components that have been used for the filtration of molten polymer (e.g. polyester) and which are at least partially blocked by solidified polymer.

Abstract: This application relates to cast enclosures for battery replacement applications, such as enclosures configured to house power units comprising a fuel cell and an energy storage device. The enclosures function as protective enclosures and counterweights, provide mounting points and conduits for gases, fluids, plumbing and wiring, and serve as thermal energy storage/transfer devices. The enclosures are formed in a mold or die and comprise wall portions defining a plurality of internal subcompartments for receiving the various system components. In one embodiment of the invention channels may be formed in the wall portions of the enclosures for circulating a heat transfer fluid therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid containers. In particular, it relates to accessories that are specially configured to serve specific functions, such as a drinking bladder during activity. The drinking bladder is a container that allows various fluids to be worn around the hand for consumption during various activities. This helps aid an individual in the replenishing process of fluids to the body. This device will help prevent dehydration during a wide variety of activities in an active person's life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dilute aqueous solutions containing phosphoric acid and methods for cleaning plasma etch residue from semiconductor substrates including such dilute aqueous solutions. The solution according to the invention may advantageous contain an alkaline compound, one or more other acid compounds, and/or a fluoride-containing compound and may optionally contain additional components such as organic solvents, chelating agents, amines, and/or surfactants.

Abstract: A educational device for teaching art including a base member having a generally rectangular configuration. The base member has a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface. The base member has a raised peripheral border disposed around a periphery of the upper surface thereof. The upper surface has a plurality of slots formed therein inwardly of the raised peripheral border and within a central portion thereof. A plurality of wall members extend upwardly from the upper surface of the base member inwardly of the raised peripheral border. Each of the wall members have tabs extending downwardly from lower ends thereof for being received within the slots of the base member. Upper ends of the wall members are secured together by clips. A pair of interior wall members extend inwardly from the wall members. The interior wall members are secured to the plurality of wall members by clips.